Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Previous Mayor's Blog 08/09

Mayoral Blog 2008 - 2009 Councillor John Fletcher

The Mayor's blog is an on-line diary of the events attended and activities undertaken by the first citizen of Stockton-on-Tees during his year as Mayor from April 2nd 2008 to April 1st 2009.

Please send messages and information requests to the Mayor's Office where staff will be pleased to hear from you. Mayor's Office, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Law & Democracy, Municipal Buildings, Church Road, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1LD.
Tel: 01642 528161 Fax: 01642 528162 Email: mayors.office@stockton.gov.uk

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The End of the Mayoral Year

At last, it's all over!  I ceased to be mayor the moment my successor (Deputy Mayor until now) signed his declaration of acceptance of office as Mayor in the early stages of this morning's Annual Council Meeting. For the first time, the business part of the Meeting was held in a side room (with public present) before going into the Forum Theatre itself for the ceremonial part. My last function as Mayor was to open the Meeting and preside over the (uncontested) election of my successor.

Later, in the ceremonial part of the Meeting, there was a vote of thanks to Suzanne and me for the performance of our duties as Mayoress and Mayor, proposed by our Group Leader, seconded by the Leader of the Council and supported by the Leader of the largest group and on behalf of the other groups. They all spoke well and it was good to know that our efforts had been recognised.  We were then presented with our neck badges as former Mayor and Mayoress. I then gave my outgoing speech, thanking (I hope) everyone on whose help I had depended, and summarising my work over the last year. Then we processed from the top table for the last time at such an event and became ordinary councillors again.

How do I feel?  A bit like retiring from the day job. In a moment, something which has been a big part of my life for several years has gone away. On both occasions it has been known well in advance and planned. A few days rest before facing up to "normal" council work and all the domestic jobs I've been putting off.

My best wishes to my successor.